Joe Brown

• 7.5 miles

• 2,500ft ascent

• 4hr. 30mins

• Start at grid ref 557647

These paths provide the most scenic ascent of Snowdon.  Start from Pen-y-pass car-park (557647).  Neither path is difficult, although both are moderately steep in places.  The Miners track starts from the lower left of the car park, the Pyg Track from the upper right.  People often acend one and descend the other.  Let us start up the Miner’s Track.  This is easy for a mile and a half, with little height gain to reach Llyn Llydaw.  Cross the causeway and pass the old crushing mill.  Shortly beyond here the path begins to climb more steeply to reach Llyn Glaslyn, often appearing a blue-green hue due to dissolved copper minerals.  Pass the  ruined buildings of the old copper mines and start to climb the path near the stream.  Footpath construction is continuing on the section of path, and it is improving all the time.  In any event the many little paths all join the Pyg track at some point.  You may come across a large grill protecting an open 'stope' where the vein of copper has been worked out from the surface.  This particular hole is about 75ft. deep.  On the Pyg track continue upwards to reach the zig-zags, easily spotted because of the wire gabions (cages) that introduce an unwelcome intrusion into the natural landscape.  At the top of the zig-zags you reach the marker stone on the ridge.  Note this carefully as it marks the point where you leave the Llanberis path when you descend.  From here is it an easy walk beside the railway track to the summit. 

When returning turn off by the marker stone and descend the zig-zags.  In good weather the Pyg track can be seen running ahead, dropping only slowly, while Glaslyn is far below.  In poor visibility keeping to the upper paths should ensure you find the Pyg Track and don't drop accidentally to Glaslyn.  Once past the intersection of Pyg and Miners tracks you cross a wide slabby area with a small stream running down it.  From here it is simply a matter of following the path back to the car-park.  5 hours (3 hours up, 2 down) is a reasonable time for this trip, giving some time at the summit.